Sisters of the Past

SISTER GERMAINE - Florence Ahern

Profiled June 2010

26 February 1891 - 12 January 1978

Florence Ahern was born on 26 February 1891 to an Englishwoman Jane, nee Fry, and John Ahern. John was a springmaker.

Florence was born in New Plymouth, and later her family moved to Whanganui where her family lived in the suburb of Aramoho. She had 5 or 6 brothers and she was the only girl in the family. Two of her brothers were killed serving overseas, and the youngest Laurie, never married and after serving overseas, also lived in Whanganui. Florence was always very close to him. Another brother Frank worked in the Railways in Whanganui.

Florence entered the Sisters of St Joseph in Whanganui and was professed as Sister Germaine on 23 January 1913.

Germaine was a Music teacher and a House Sister for various branch convents of the Sisters around the lower North Island.

She is remembered for her love of fun and her very pleasant temperament. Many school children benefitted from her care and concern if they were sick at school. She was an excellent cook and presented appetising meals. She is remembered as being one who ‘would try anything’ when out in the outdoors – wandering the golf course, climbing the fence, etc. Family members remember her wonderful kindness and her love of fun.

In her later retirement years she was living at Sacred Heart Convent in Whanganui.

Sr Germaine died at Sacred Heart Convent in Whanganui on 12 January 1978, and her funeral was held in the Convent Chapel. She is buried at Aramoho Cemetery in Whanganui